After testing them out with selected creators over the past couple of months, Instagram has now announced a broader launch of its new profile cards, which provide a simple way to link people through to your IG presence.
As you can see in this example, Intagram’s updated profile cards, which are being made available to all users from today, are digitally flippable panels, which provide a QR code for immediate connection on one side, and a profile overview and summary on the other.
The profile overview includes your image and bio, while it’ll also list your profile category and business links (for creator accounts). You can also include a song to play when your card is opened, and edit the background of the card with an image of your choice.
Instagram says that the new cards will help creators make connections with brands, via a simple, shareable summary of who they are, while they can also be used to share with friends, and to introduce yourself in groups.
It’s a handy summary of your IG presence, and it could serve as an easy way to get more people to connect in the app, with a simple scan and follow process. Though there is a question as to how many people will actually use them, given that IG has tried similar before, and they haven’t caught on.
Instagram has actually had QR codes available for profiles since 2018, but few people seem to be aware of the option, and thus, haven’t actually put them to use.
Instagram’s tried a few different formats for its profile cards and QR codes, but they’ve never caught on in any significant way.
But maybe, this time, QR codes will work.
Indeed, Instagram also added QR codes for Broadcast Channels back in June.
It seems that someone at IG HQ is holding onto the concept of QR codes for connection, in the hopes that at least one of these options will provide broader connection opportunities.
History suggests that they won’t, but the cards do look good, and you can imagine creators making use of them for connections.
We’ll find out.
Instagram says that the new profile cards are being launched globally from today.
You can access your IG QR code by tapping on the “Share profile” option on your profile in the latest version of the app.
